Happy Summer sweet friends! I set a table next to the woodlands to officially welcome the first day of summer!
“Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.”
Psalm 19:14
Summer heat and humidity arrived in our Appalachian Foothills last week with heat indexes that reached as high as 107. Fortunately we had a break over the weekend with lower humidities and temperatures. After enjoying Father’s Day with my sweet Daddy and our family, on a whim I decided to set the picnic table in late afternoon. It was so nice next to our wooded area (now known as the woodlands, thanks to a reader) with a light breeze blowing. RM even grabbed a chair to enjoy the weather as I set the table!
Flowers were cut from the garden…lacecap hydrangeas, chaste tree blooms, and a sprig of creeping Jenny! It was so simple and took no time to place in a favorite majolica pitcher.
A majolica plate, that also happens to be a favorite, left the bookcase to come outside to the table.
Did you know that it is the 50th anniversary of the “Botanic Garden” pattern by Portmeirion? It is the perfect dishware for a gardener with its beautiful flowers like this iris!
“Summer was our best season: it was sleeping on the back screened porch on cots, or trying to sleep in the tree house; summer was everything good to eat; it was a thousand colors in a parched landscape.”
~Harper Lee
I think it was last year when this runner jumped off the shelf at TJ Maxx and into my cart! Green majolica dinner plates accent the “Botanic Garden” salad plates. Acrylic tortoise and stainless flatware has graced many tablescapes through the years and remains a go-to for its durability. It is currently 30% off from Horchow.com. The vintage lavender napkins and very old stemware complete the place settings. The majolica plate left of the flowers rarely leaves the bookcase. It was a gift from my beloved Mother.
Bees were swarming around the Vitex or chaste tree blooms.
Our two chaste trees are magnets for bees!
During summer the woodlands have a large canopy of trees where sunlight and shadows dance! The light was constantly changing for the thirty minutes that I was photographing. Shadows and light dance across the table…
…and highlight the “Botanic Garden” dianthus plate with its quartet of butterflies.
This photo shows the simplicity of the picnic setting! RM and I had a big lunch, so no meal was enjoyed on this perfect late afternoon!
Thank you for your visit and gracious comments. Wishing you a sun-kissed first day of summer!
Linking with:
Pieced Pastimes, Between Naps on the Porch, Katherines Corner, Follow The Yellow Brick Home,
Imparting Grace,Life and Linda
Just bee-utiful Pam! I love your combination of majolica and Portmeirion Botanic Garden at your woodland table. The runner, pitcher of blooms, stemware and flatware all play beautifully together. Our Chaste tree is just starting to bloom and buzz with bees. Happy Tuesday. ♥
Thank you, Mary. I briefly worked in the garden this morning. Our cooler and less humid weekend has ended!
Just so gorgeous, Pam! I lov e your woodlands setting for tablescping. The flowers are outstanding. I didn’t realize your chaste tree blooms are purplish blue. And I’ve always admired lacecap hydrangeas for their delicate appearance. Of course, the dishes themselves holler “summer!”, and the majolica are perfect accents. That runner was smart to jump in your cart to go home with you! Overall, a beautiful summer greeting!
Thanks so much, Rita. This was a last minute tablescape with no pressure, I enjoyed doing it!
Beautiful, Pam! What a lovely post to see first thing this am. With so much pain in the world, the beautiful of home is a welcome antidote to the news.
Thank you dear friend!
Oh how beautiful Pam! The simplicity and ease of this table is what captures my heart and the centerpiece catches my eyes! I really like the lacecap hydrangeas… they really do look like lace.
I also loved hearing Butch was right there enjoying every step of this tablescape. My sweet man would do the same!
Another favorite… The Woodlands Tablescape!
Enjoy your week and Happy Summer!
Thanks so much, Nancy. This was a last minute, no pressure tablescape. It was fun to do. Enjoy kayaking, wish I was there to enjoy!
Yep, we head to the woodlands {or inside to an air conditioner!} for relief from the heat. 107 degrees is unspeakable. Yet I can feel the cool breezes through your snapshots, Pam.
And yes, T.J. Maxx’s sale items are always fun to sift through!
Thanks so much, Linda!
Good Morning Pam. You never disappoint with your beautiful table settings. This one is gorgeous.
Thanks so much, Kris!
So pretty and relaxing Pam…I adore Harper Lee quotes…she usually says what is in my heart from my Midwest upbringing. I love your flowers…your chaste blooms…so lovely for your woodlands table. It is the perfect laid back summer time table. Have a wonderful summer and stay in the shade. Hugs and blessings, Kari
Thanks so much, Kari. We are trying to stay inside as much as possible. Happy Summer!
Pam, Your picnic table looks so inviting. Love the color scheme. The weekend temps were delightful but we’re back in the oven today. The greens, lavender, and pops of other colors makes a lovely tablescape. Happy Summer! Clara ❤️
Thank you, Clara. Today it was 96. I am staying inside during these hot days♥️
So gorgeous Pam! Love the colors and patterns combinations, and it definitely looks like Summer! The flowers look so pretty, and the special plates on stands by each place setting is such a unique idea and way to enjoy them. The majolica pitcher is beautiful! I got back from the beach yesterday and not looking forward to running around in the heat today 😅
Thank you, Jenna. I got out right before dark tonight and did a little garden work. Last week was brutally hot.
Oh, Pam! It does my heart SO good to see the beautiful woodlands table setting. There is something about nature’s beauty combined with the beautiful sophistication of the arrangements that make me feel like your place is my “Narnia”! Please tell Butch happy belated Father’s Day. I’ve had 3 good days (God indeed is good!) and now I will rest! Much love, hugs, and blessings. We are feeling the heat and humidity here as well so please stay safe! 💛💛🙏🏻🤗🥰
You are so sweet and thoughtful, dear one. It makes my day to know my little blog post can bring happiness. I am so glad you have had three good days. God is so very good. Now rest, dear one. Sending love and prayers ♥️🙏🏻
💛❤️💕 I will rest.
Your woodland table is beautiful! Oh girl…I have been wanting to set up a little dining outside for Marty and I to enjoy a meal…maybe by the pond or even our own little woodlands. And yes…the temps and humidity is awful. I am ready for cooler weather! LOL! Happy Week to you. Hugs and blessings, Cindy
Thanks so much, Cindy. Hopefully, you will get a break in heat and humidity and can set up an alfresco table for you and Marty!
A beautiful table Pam you set next to the Woodlands. I adore the Green Majolica dinner plates with the “Botanic Garden” salad plates. Your collections always amaze me. It’s great to see happy bees. The flowers are lovely. A beautiful Majolica plate from your mother. Happy summer Pam.
Thanks so much, Linda!
Holy moly! Look at the BRILLIANCE of the hydrangea and the chasteberry!!!! Goodness gracious!!! That is eye-popping color if I ever saw it!!! It’s gorgeous!!!!!! Perfectly matched with your dishes!
Thanks so much, Alycia!
Pam, your table is gorgeous, not to mention the fabulous centerpiece. Lace Caps are one of my favorite hydrangeas and I love the story of the baby’s bonnet that goes along with them. So many sweet things from the garden world.
It is hard to believe that today is the first day of summer. We must enjoy as the first day of winter will be knocking on our door before we blink. Have a great week!
Thank you, Sandra. I am so happy to know that lacecaps are one of your favorite hydrangeas! Enjoy your summer!
Your table set near the woodlands is so beautiful. The lacecap hydrangeas make such a gorgeous centerpiece. Your majolica plates are so pretty. We had a small break in the heat yesterday, but it is back with a vengeance today. I can’t seem to be able to keep enough water on my potted plants, I so enjoyed my visit today. Wishing you a blessed day, sweet friend!
Thanks so much, sweet friend. It seems we are constantly watering during this heat wave. Enjoy your week!
Love those plates, and what a pretty table. We got a break in the heat this week too, which made sitting on the veranda really nice in the early morning and in the evening. Your flower photos are gorgeous.
Pam, I fully expect to see this tablescape in a future Southern Lady! The color combination along with the beautiful majolica is gorgeous. (Finally read the last issue of SL, and there you were, so exciting). Did you by chance watch the first episode of Hotel Portofino on PBS? Stunning scenery and fantastic cast of characters!
Thank you, Roxanne. You are a sweetheart! I did not see the PBS show, sounds like I should!
Happy summer Pam! Your table setting is so beautiful. I love your floral arrangement.
Thanks so much, Penny!
Portmeirion does do the most beautiful botanicals on their china. These are extra pretty. And of course your table is — as always — fabulous!
Thanks so much, Jeanie for your sweet comments, always!
Your table setting by the woodlands is beautiful. The blues and greens seem to make the shaded setting look like a wonderful place to sit and enjoy a summer meal. Your majolica pitcher is lovely and I can see why it is a favorite.
Thanks so much, Karen. It is a delightful place to sit!
What a panoply of romantic colors to grace the woodlands scene… The centerpiece says it all until you expand
and find the Portmeirion and the exquisite Majolica collection, especially Mother’s, and then the artist could put
down the brush…fait accompli….
Mary, your way with words always amaze me! Thank you for you lovely encouragement.
Sorry, I am late, Pam. This has been an extra busy week with lots of workmen here.
I love your woodland table. The pretty runner and napkins look great with your majolica pitcher, plates, and chargers. Of course, I love Botanic Garden and did not know it was their “50th” anniversary.
Have a good day.
So beautiful Pam! Thanks for all the loveliness. ♥
Pam, your spontaneous tablescape in the woodlands is just beautiful and you captured the sun and shadows perfectly! I love the botanic garden plates and its not hard to see why its their 50th anniversary. The majolica plates and lovely pitcher are dear treasures indeed. I love love your goblets! I’ve never heard of lacecap hydrangea or chaste tree but their blooms make a gorgeous centerpiece. 107 degrees sounds really hot and I hope you are able to stay cool down there!
Kim, you are so sweet and gracious! Enjoy your weekend$
Pam,
I love the blues and purples of your tablesetting. What a lovely table you have set. Congratulations, you are being featured on Thursday Favorite Things. I hope you stop by. https://www.eclecticredbarn.com/2023/07/yum-yum-on-thursday-favorite-things.html
Hugs,
Bev
Thanks so much, Bev!
Such a lovely Summer table, Pam!! Those dishes are just fabulous and coordinate so beautifully with the flowers!
I would love it if you would share this post at the Home Imagined link party. I know others would love it just as much as I do!
https://www.theantiquedjourney.com/home-imagined-link-party-22/
Thanks so much, Rachel. Wishing you a delightful weekend!